20 Harrowing Scenes From The 1992 LA Riots

05/04/2016

A haunting testament to the continuing history of police brutality in America

The riots erupted after a mostly white jury did not reach an excessive force conviction against the four white police officers who were videotaped beating black motorist Rodney King after he fled from police in an attempt to outrun a speeding charge.

Soon after the jury’s verdict was announced, rioting, looting, and arson quickly spun out of control. By the time the National Guard came in to put an end to it, six days later, 52 people were dead, over 4,000 were injured, and $1 billion worth of property had been damaged.

These stark images from the LA Riots reveal a city on the brink of collapse — and provide a haunting testament to the continuing history of police brutality in America.

A fire department crew sprays water on a burning mini-mall.

Taken by by George Holliday on March 3, 1991, this image shows the Rodney King beating that ultimately led to the riots.

People and their belongings line a sidewalk across from a burned out apartment. The apartment was attached to a row of stores that were set on fire and looted.